Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique appeals to Xavi Hernandez after Barcelona exit
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique asked Xavi Hernandez to announce his decision to leave Barcelona this summer, but was met with a firm response from his former teammate.
The Asturian praised his team for their emotional balance after conceding practically from Barcelona's first attack, with Lamine Yamal assisting Raphinha.
“We started the game brilliantly. We knew it would be a game with goals. We were ready for any scenario, even to concede despite the fact that in 12 minutes Barça had not approached the area and scored a goal in a spectacular action by Lamine.
“It was difficult to play against Barça on an emotional level. I hope not to play against Barça many more times.”
Luis Enrique says he will play against #FCBarcelona he did his worst. #PSG #UCL (SER chain) pic.twitter.com/FrPfhr5SOM
— Football Spain (@footballespana_) April 17, 2024
Luis Enrique said that Xavi would continue to be the ideal coach for many more years, if he remained in the post. Xavi announced that he will leave at the end of the season in January. He remained adamant that he would not change, and until Barcelona's elimination at the hands of PSG, there was much talk that Barcelona were trying to persuade him to stay.
“Xavi is the ideal coach for Barça, I hope and I want him to continue to be like that for many years, but it is not my decision,” he said.
Xavi: “I will try to speak calmly… With the way football is today, it is impossible to play 10 against 11 and I think the red card was unfair.”
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) April 16, 2024
“The mandate, (was) very important. Without him we would have won, although I can't prove it,” he commented, contradicting Xavi's claims that Barcelona were better while the sides were equal.
Asked about that assessment, and the possibility of staying, Xavi was direct in his answer.
“No to both,” said Xavi Chain SERwho was in no mood to entertain the idea.
It seems that it will be the end of Xavi in the Barcelona job, with many reports emerging that his time is limited in the job. Athletic Boat Manager Rafael Marquez is expected to take over from him
